Enriching Future Generations: Education Promoting Indonesian Self-Development

Background - Call for Papers

Economic and political developments supporting more democratic structures in a globalizing international world provide opportunities but also pose challenges for Indonesia and the increasingly globalized Indonesian citizens of the 21st century. In order to face these challenges and seize these opportunities education is essential. Issues of affordable access to and quality of Indonesian education are an essential component of the theme of this year's conference. In a broader sense we also welcome scholars to consider values taught external to the formal educational establishment, including those within families, communities, places of worship and businesses as these represent a foundational part of the individual educational experience of Indonesians today. On both the structural and national levels there are also important issues of development and Indonesian nationalism that need to be addressed to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This is especially true in a country of great diversity containing such a broad range of distinct individuals and groups who comprise this Indonesian state where education colors and shapes the Indonesian national character and social fabric, teaching what it means to be Indonesian while appreciating the unique diversity that strengthens the Indonesian nation-state as an emerging leader in the international community.

The 4th International Indonesia Forum sponsored by Yale University and UNY, will focus on education in Indonesia. As with past Fora, the topic will be approached by scholars of various disciplines from diverse angles. Papers are welcome exploring all aspects of the unique mix that shapes Indonesia today as education serves as a tool that can be applied to make people into better citizens, parents, businessmen, artists, and politicians in the Indonesian nation-state framework.

Therefore we call upon the expertise of scholars from Indonesia and beyond to pool their expertise to address this issue. The 4th International Indonesia Forum Conference will be held at Yogyakarta State University in Yogyakarta on June 27-28, 2011.

Persons wishing to present papers at the conference are invited to submit a one-page abstract in electronic form (PDF or MSWord) as well as brief CV to Frank Dhont atfrank.dhont@yale.eduby March 31, 2011.